Natural Food + Grocery Distributor Key Account Manager - UNFI + KeHE (Remote)

Green Spoon Sales•Boulder, CO

32d•Remote

About The Position

Green Spoon Sales is the leading independent natural products sales agency representing the most exciting CPG brands nationwide. We are a mission-driven organization committed to transforming the retail landscape by expanding shelf space for healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable products. In addition to our work in natural products, Green Spoon is deeply committed to environmental stewardship. As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, we support a wide range of nonprofit partners through volunteering, donations, and ongoing sustainability initiatives, reflecting our belief that business has a responsibility to create positive change for future generations. Take Root by Green Spoon is a dedicated business team focused on supporting emerging brands. Take Root specializes in helping emerging brands strategize, focus, and scale – all at affordable costs with experienced natural CPG experts. Take Root is a team separate from Green Spoon Sales, delivering best-in-class access to the strategic retail partners needed to catapult brands into CPG relevance. Driven by the desire to transform the retail landscape, our team helps brands gain access to retail stores and shelf space, in addition to driving sales through marketing and promotions. Take Root by Green Spoon is looking for a positive, passionate, and detail-oriented Distributor Key Account Manager. This fully-remote hybrid role is responsible for developing our brand partners' business at both UNFI and KeHE, serving as the primary point of contact for both distributor relationships. The individual must be able to meet and exceed department goals related to building the business across both distributors and must be able to work interdepartmentally to resolve issues and find mutually beneficial solutions to grow the business.

Requirements

3+ years of experience managing both UNFI and KeHE distributor business required
Natural food and grocery experience required
Exceptional attention to detail and highly organized
Strong communication, problem-solving, and time management skills
Self-motivated with a quick response time
Ability to multitask and function in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), & Teams
Interest in organic food and products
Must have reliable transportation
Must own a smartphone and computer to perform duties; Green Spoon supplies Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

College degree in business or related field, or equivalent experience, preferred
Knowledge of the brokerage business and its relationship to Principals and overall business

Responsibilities

Help facilitate relationships with all UNFI and KeHE distributor contacts, including Supplier Managers, Category Managers, Onboarding Specialists, Coding, Vendor Support, Sales Enablement, Supply Chain Management, Accounts Payable, and Events/Marketing Teams
Understanding of supplier agreements and other onboarding forms, nuances, and protocol across both UNFI and KeHE
Knowledge of current supplier policies, agreements, and logistic guidelines for each distributor
Monitor and review distributor policies and procedures, helping to negotiate necessary modifications
Strong understanding of UNFI and KeHE programs, marketing vehicles, and policies
Stay updated on distributor sales/marketing vehicles and relay new information to brands and suppliers as it becomes available
Ability to guide brands with new vendor on-boarding and complete submission of new vendor packets for both distributors
Load all new/seasonal items/shippers
Pricing and freight guidance: Delivered, FOB, freight allowances, booked freight guidance
Process vendor changes (warehouse changes, remit changes, and other corporate updates)
Submit item maintenance, price changes, discos, and any other product/spec changes
Ensure all certifications are current
Maintain broker or record
Utilize KeHE Connect/BI and navigate the UNFI Portal (including Insights and MyUNFI) to optimize performance and potential for each brand and distribution center
Pull reports as requested by suppliers and become familiar with all reporting suites for Green Spoon and our supplier partners
Lead planning calls, build planners, and submit finalized programming throughout the year based on deadlines
Help organize and file road maps, promo planners, and monthly programming; ensure all deadlines are met
Submit monthly promotions and lead Annual Promotional Planning and Roadmapping in coordination with Promotions Team.
Ensure all promotional calendars are aligned between the Distribution Team and Promo/KAM Team
Follow up with buyers to generate purchase orders to maintain consistent sales and avoid OOS issues
Follow up with buyers regarding PO revisions and supply issues
Transportation/fill-rate issues: work with distributor contacts to minimize retailer service-level issues and optimize item availability and sales
Coordinate participation at distributor shows: registration, dates, pre- and post-show communications by distributing contact lists, show deals, PowerPoints, and sales recaps
Ensure the Take Root/Green Spoon team is aware of pre-order dates, distributor-specific discounts, product changes, and other programs intended to drive sales
Communicate updates to brand partners and relevant Take Root contacts
Serve as the middle person between the Distributor Team and other Take Root/Green Spoon departments
Must be willing and able to travel several times throughout the year to industry events and shows
If applicable, prepare and present at sales and vendor meetings
Assist in direction for deduction resolution and dispute process